Catheter input device

ABSTRACT

A catheter input device for use with a medical instrument and a sensor device. The catheter input device includes an enclosure having a front portion. The catheter input device also includes a plurality of multi-contact receptacles mounted in the front portion. The catheter input device also includes a circuit board disposed in the enclosure and coupled to each multi-contact receptacle. Each multi-contact receptacle is configured to couple with the sensor device and the circuit board is configured to couple with the medical instrument.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of catheter inputdevices and specifically to a catheter input device for coupling amedical instrument to a catheter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, a catheter used in an invasive study will use intermediarycable to connect to the data acquisition device. This cable may bereferred to as a catheter connector cable. The connector style on thedata acquisition device end of the cable may include individual pins inlarge part because many current catheter input devices in the industryuse a number of pin receptacles to bring in data from each of multiplecatheters used on the patient. Upcoming imaging and data acquisitionsoftware may use a new connection style. This may prompt a change to asingle circular connector (receptacle), on a catheter input device. Newcatheters or catheter cables may start to be produced with the circularplug style, however existing cables may go to waste if they are notusable.

Thus there is a need for a catheter input device that is able todirectly couple to a number of circular plug styles from each catheterused on a patient. There is also a need for a catheter cable adapterthat is able to couple a circular receptacle of a catheter input devicewith a catheter or catheter cable of an older pin configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the invention relates to a catheter input device foruse with a medical instrument and a sensor device. The catheter inputdevice includes an enclosure having a front portion. The catheter inputdevice also includes a plurality of multi-contact receptacles mounted inthe front portion. The catheter input device also includes a circuitboard disposed in the enclosure and coupled to each multi-contactreceptacle. Each multi-contact receptacle is configured to couple withthe sensor device and the circuit board is configured to couple with themedical instrument.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a system including apatient bed configured to support a patient in a patient care facility.The system also includes a medical imaging device configured to obtaininternal medical images of the patient. The system also includes acatheter configured to be inserted into the patient to cooperate withthe medical imaging device to obtain the medical images. The system alsoincludes a catheter input device coupled to the medical imaging deviceand the catheter. The catheter input device includes an enclosure havinga front portion. The catheter input device also includes a plurality ofmulti-contact receptacles mounted in the front portion. The catheterinput device also includes a circuit board disposed in the enclosure andcoupled to each multi-contact receptacle. Each multi-contact receptacleis configured to couple with the catheter and the circuit board isconfigured to couple with the medical imaging device.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a catheter input devicefor use with a medical instrument and a sensor device. The catheterinput device including an enclosure having a front portion. A pluralityof multi-contact receptacles mounted in the front portion, with eachreceptacle having ten contacts arranged in a circular pattern. A circuitboard disposed in the enclosure and coupled to each multi-contactreceptacle, wherein each multi-contact receptacle is configured tocouple with the sensor device and the circuit board is configured tocouple with the medical instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system including a catheter inputdevice according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective partial cut-away view of a catheter input deviceof FIG. 1 according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a catheter cable adapter of FIG. 2according to one exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 includes a patient bed 12, a patientcare facility 16, a medical instrument 18 for example a medical imagingdevice, a sensor device 20 for example a catheter, and a catheter inputdevice 22. Patient bed 12 is configured to support a patient 14 inpatient care facility 16 so that medical imaging device 18 may obtaininternal medical images of patient 14 using catheter 20. In variousexemplary embodiments, patient bed 12 may be any suitable bed of past,present, or future design that is capable of supporting a patient. Inone exemplary embodiments, patient 14 may be a human. In other exemplaryembodiments, patient 14 may be another anatomical structure such as adog, cat, horse, or primate. In another exemplary embodiment, patientcare facility 16 may be a hospital or hospital room, while in stillother exemplary embodiments, facility 16 may be any facility suitablefor performing medical imaging on patient 14.

Medical imaging device 18 may include a mounting structure 24 andcooperates with sensor device or catheter 20 to obtain medical imagesfrom patient 14. Imaging device 18 may be of a laptop-styleconfiguration with a flip-up screen 26 that displays imaging data oroptions and a horizontal work area 28. In various exemplary embodimentsimaging device 18 may be any imaging device of past, present, or futuredesign such as an ultrasound device, x-ray device, or thermal imagingdevice. In one example embodiment imaging device 18 may be configured toprocess the data retrieved using an imaging processor.

Mounting structure 24 is configured to support imaging device 18 and iscoupled to bed 12 via a rail 30. In another exemplary embodiment,mounting structure 24 may be coupled to bed 12 via means other than arail. Mounting structure 24 is capable of positioning imaging device 18in a variety of locations as desired by a clinician for various reasonssuch as for best viewing or so as to not be obstructing any procedureperformed on patient 14. In other exemplary embodiments, mountingstructure may be a cart that is not directly coupled to bed 12.

Sensor device or catheter 20 is configured to obtain medical imagingdata from the interior of patient 14. In various exemplary embodiments,catheter 20 may be of any past, present, or future design that allowsfor imaging data retrieval from the interior of patient 14. In anotherexemplary embodiment, sensor device 20 may be configured to takereadings externally of patient 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, catheter input device 22 is configured to coupleimaging device 18 with catheter 20. Input device 22 generally includesan enclosure 32, a circuit board 34, and a catheter cable adapter 36.Enclosure 32 encloses and is intended to protect circuit board 34 fromdamage due to such things as jarring, moisture, and debris. Enclosure 32includes a front portion 38, a rear portion 40, and body portion 42.

Front portion 38 defines a multi-contact receptacle 44, that isconfigured to coupled with sensor device 20. Each receptacle 44 iscoupled to circuit board 34, thus coupling sensor device 20 to circuitboard 34. Each receptacle 44 may be marked by an indicator 46 to aid inidentification of each receptacle 44. Although the illustrated exemplaryembodiment defines six receptacles 44, in other exemplary embodiments,more or fewer than six receptacles 44 may be used to couple to anynumber of sensor devices 20. In one exemplary embodiment receptacle 44may be a Redel® receptacle configured to receive a Redel® plug orcontact, while in other exemplary embodiments, other types of past,present, or future connection configurations may be used. The receptacle44, in one embodiment, includes ten contacts arranged in a circularconfiguration. The contacts can be gold-plated. The receptacle can becomposed of material that can be sterilized by gas or by steam, forexample polysulfone. The receptacle 44 may also include a keying systemand a locking system configured to engage a corresponding plug. Althoughthe illustrated exemplary embodiment shows each receptacle 44 to becircular, in other exemplary embodiments, receptacles 44 may be of anyother shape that facilitates connection of sensor device 20 to imagingdevice 18.

Rear portion 40 is configured to couple circuit board 34 to imagingdevice 18. In various exemplary embodiments, rear portion 40 may includeeither a removable or unitary cable capable of interfacing with imagingdevice 18 using a protocol such as serial, IEEE-1284, universal serialbus (USB) or IEEE-1394 communication or any other past, present, orfuture wired communication protocol. In other exemplary embodiments,rear portion 40 may facilitate wireless communication between circuitboard 34 and imaging device 18 using any past, present, or futurewireless communication protocol.

Body portion 42 may be configured to form a substantial seal with frontportion 38 and rear portion 40 in order to protect circuit board 34.Body portion 42 includes a raised section 48 that mates with anindentation on a second catheter input device 22 so that they may bestacked or mounted on top of each other for coupling to imaging device18 in the event that more connections are needed than provided by asingle input device 22. In various exemplary embodiments, body portionmay be composed of a rubber, a plastic, a metal, any other suitablematerial, or any combination thereof.

Circuit board 34 is generally configured to facilitate the connectionbetween multiple sensor devices 20 with imaging device 18. Circuit boardis coupled to each multi-contact receptacle, and thus each sensor device20, and to imaging device 18. In one exemplary embodiment, circuit board34 may selectively couple multiple sensor devices 20 to imaging device18 and only allow selected sensor devices 20 to be electrically coupledto imaging device 18. In another exemplary embodiment, circuit board 34may couple every sensor device 20 with imaging device 18 viamultiplexing or using any other past, present, or future datacommunication method. In other exemplary embodiments, circuit board 34may include additional circuitry and components appropriate for themedical procedure intended to be conducted.

Referring to FIG. 3, catheter cable adapter 36 is configured tointerface between circuit board 34 and sensor device 20 if the cathetercable coupled to sensor device 20 is of a connector design other thanthat of receptacle 44. Catheter cable adapter 36 includes a first end 50and a second end 52. First end 50 is configured to receive a pluralityof catheter or sensor device 20 input contacts from a pin-type cathetercable. First end 50 is illustrated as defining ten circular openings 53that are arranged in a staggered configuration to conserve space. Firstend 50 also includes a display area 54 that may be used to indicatecharacteristics about a coupled device or a pin configuration. Secondend 52 is configured to engage one multi-contact receptacle 44. Firstend 50 and second end 52 may be electrically and mechanically connected.Adapter 36 may be composed of a plastic, a rubber, a metal, any othersuitable material, or any combination thereof.

It is noted that while in the illustrated exemplary embodiment a ten pinconfiguration is used for receiving contacts from sensor device 20, inother exemplary embodiments a different number of pins may be used, adifferent shape of pins may be used, or a different style that does notuse pins may be used in order to connect sensor devices 20 using cableconnector designs different than the design of receptacle 44.

Although specific shapes of each element have been set forth in thedrawings, each element may be of any other shape that facilitates thefunction to be performed by that element. For example, receptacles 44are shown to have a generally circular shape, however, in otherexemplary embodiments receptacles 44 may be square shaped so long ascoupling of sensor device 20 to circuit board 34 is facilitated.

Although imaging system 10 is illustrated as including multiple featuresutilized in conjunction with one another, system 10 may alternativelyutilize less than all of the noted mechanisms or features. For example,in other exemplary embodiments, adapter 36 may be omitted with sensordevice 20 coupling directly to receptacle 44 if the coupling cable is ofthe appropriate connection type.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallydefined as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents or the two components and any additional member beingattached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature oralternatively may be removable or releasable in nature

The present disclosure has been described with reference to exampleembodiments, however workers skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. For example, although different exampleembodiments may have been described as including one or more featuresproviding one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the describedfeatures may be interchanged with one another or alternatively becombined with one another in the described example embodiments or inother alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the presentdisclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology areforeseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to theexample is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example,unless specifically otherwise noted a single particular element may alsoencompass a plurality of such particular elements.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the system as shown in the preferred and other exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a certain number ofembodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the assemblies may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentor attachment positions provided between the elements may be varied. Itshould be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability. Accordingly, all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made inthe design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent subject matter.

1. A catheter input device for use with a medical instrument and asensor device, the catheter input device comprising: an enclosure havinga front portion; a plurality of multi-contact receptacles mounted in thefront portion; and a circuit board disposed in the enclosure and coupledto each multi-contact receptacle, wherein each multi-contact receptacleis configured to couple with the sensor device and the circuit board isconfigured to couple with the medical instrument.
 2. The catheter inputdevice of claim 1, including a catheter cable adapter comprising: afirst end and a second end, with the first end configured to receive aplurality of catheter input contacts and the second end is configured toengage one of the multi-contact receptacles, wherein the first end andsecond end are electrically and mechanically connected.
 3. The catheterinput device of claim 2, wherein the catheter input contacts arearranged in a staggered configuration.
 4. The catheter input device ofclaim 2, wherein each multi-contact receptacle includes ten contactsarranged in a circular pattern.
 5. The catheter input device of claim 1,including another catheter input device mounted atop the other catheterinput device and coupled to the medical instrument.
 6. The catheterinput device of claim 1, wherein at least six multi-contact receptaclesare mounted in the front portion.
 7. The catheter input device of claim1, wherein the sensor device is an ultrasound imaging array and themedical instrument is an ultrasound imaging system.
 8. A systemcomprising: a patient bed configured to support a patient in a patientcare facility; a medical imaging device configured to obtain internalmedical images of the patient; a catheter configured to be inserted intothe patient to cooperate with the medical imaging device to obtain themedical images; and a catheter input device coupled to the medicalimaging device and the catheter, the catheter input device comprising:an enclosure having a front portion; a plurality of multi-contactreceptacles mounted in the front portion; and a circuit board disposedin the enclosure and coupled to each multi-contact receptacle, whereineach multi-contact receptacle is configured to couple with the catheterand the circuit board is configured to couple with the medical imagingdevice.
 9. The system of claim 8, including a catheter cable adaptercomprising: a first end and a second end, with the first end configuredto receive a plurality of catheter input contacts and the second end isconfigured to engage one of the multi-contact receptacles, wherein thefirst end and second end are electrically and mechanically connected.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the catheter input contacts arearranged in a staggered configuration.
 11. The system of claim 10,wherein each multi-contact receptacle includes ten contacts arranged ina circular pattern.
 12. The system of claim 8, including anothercatheter input device mounted atop the other catheter input device andcoupled to the medical imaging device.
 13. The system of claim 8,wherein at least 6 multi-contact receptacles are mounted in the frontportion.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the catheter includes anultrasound imaging array and the medical imaging device is an ultrasoundimaging system.
 15. A catheter input device for use with a medicalinstrument and a sensor device, the catheter input device comprising: anenclosure having a front portion; a plurality of multi-contactreceptacles mounted in the front portion, with each receptacle havingten contacts arranged in a circular pattern; and a circuit boarddisposed in the enclosure and coupled to each multi-contact receptacle,wherein each multi-contact receptacle is configured to couple with thesensor device and the circuit board is configured to couple with themedical instrument.
 16. The catheter input device of claim 15, includinganother catheter input device mounted atop the other catheter inputdevice and coupled to the medical instrument.
 17. The catheter inputdevice of claim 15, wherein at least six multi-contact receptacles aremounted in the front portion.
 18. The catheter input device of claim 15,wherein the sensor device is an ultrasound imaging array and the medicalinstrument is an ultrasound imaging system.
 19. The catheter inputdevice of claim 15, including a catheter cable adapter comprising: afirst end and a second end, with the first end configured to receive aplurality of catheter input contacts and the second end is configured toengage one of the multi-contact receptacles, wherein the first end andsecond end are electrically and mechanically connected.
 20. The catheterinput device of claim 19, wherein the catheter input contacts arearranged in a staggered configuration.